The DIY-biology community, as a stakeholder that has already addressed many of the underlying issues, should take part in a robust public dialogue about the use of CRISPR–Cas9 and how governance models can ensure safe, responsible research.

The National Academies is convening a new study to explore forthcoming biotechnology products and the capabilities needed to evaluate these products. Synthetic Biology Project Director David Rejeski has been appointed to the study’s expert committee.

Last week the Food and Drug Administration released for comment the draft environmental assessment submitted by Oxitec for its genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, while also finding the company's field test would have no significant impact on the environment.

Last month, Eleonore Pauwels of the Synthetic Biology Project participated in a panel organized by New America Foundation and Slate Magazine that explored how new gene technologies could help fight the emerging Zika Virus threat. An archived video of the panel can be viewed here.

Join the Environmental Law Institute on 2/18/16 at 2 pm EST for a webinar on gene editing and invasive speices, featuring Fred Gould of North Carolina State University, Karl Campbell of Island Conservation and Todd Kuiken of the Synthetic Biology Project. Register here.

This inventory of synthetic biology-based products and applications gives the public the best available look at the many manufacturer-identified products using this emerging technology. Registered users are encouraged to submit relevant data pertaining to synthetic biology applications, their function, properties, and producer(s).